A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for diazepam. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Hold the injection if seizure activity is present:

This is incorrect. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to prevent seizures. If a client with a seizure disorder is experiencing seizure activity, it is essential to administer phenytoin promptly to help control and prevent further seizures.

B. Administer the medication at 100 mg/min:

This is incorrect. Phenytoin should be administered at a rate no faster than 50 mg/min to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse. Rapid infusion can cause adverse reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiac arrhythmias.

C. Dilute the medication with dextrose 5% in water:

This is incorrect. Phenytoin should not be diluted with dextrose-containing solutions, as it can cause precipitation and result in clogging of the IV line. It is typically administered undiluted or diluted with normal saline solution.

D. Administer a saline solution after injection:

This is the correct action. After administering phenytoin IV, it is recommended to flush the IV line with normal saline solution to ensure that the medication is fully delivered and to prevent any remaining medication from precipitating in the IV line, which could lead to occlusion.

A. "It doesn't really matter what time you take your medications as long as you don't skip any doses": This statement is incorrect because adherence to the prescribed dosing schedule is crucial for the effectiveness of medications. Inconsistent timing of doses can lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes or potential adverse effects.

B. "Let's work together to devise a time schedule that is convenient for you on a daily basis": This is the most appropriate instruction. Collaborating with the client to establish a medication schedule that aligns with their daily routine increases the likelihood of adherence. It promotes patient autonomy and empowers the client to take ownership of their medication regimen.

C. "You really shouldn't change the schedule we established here in the facility": While maintaining consistency in medication administration times is important, rigidly adhering to a schedule established during the facility stay may not always be feasible or practical for the client at home. Flexibility in adjusting the schedule to fit the client's lifestyle is essential for long-term adherence.

D. "We'll have to talk to your provider about switching to an alternative schedule": Switching to an alternative schedule should be considered only if the current schedule is not feasible for the client or if it compromises medication adherence. However, exploring options for adapting the existing schedule to better suit the client's needs should be attempted first before considering a switch.